Vincentian Prime Minister's signature forged - man charged
A 24 year old man has been charged with falsely misrepresenting-senting himself to be Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
Jae-Phaque Lewis, was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 with one surety.
Lewis who pleaded not guilty when he made his court appearance faces two charges:
1. Falsely misrepresenting-senting himself to be Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the person responsible for signing the Caricom skills certificates 2. and using a copy of a false instrument, to wit – one Caricom skills certificate.
Police reports are that the man who is said to be a tailor by profession, signed the document, misrepresenting himself to be the Prime Minister Gonsalves and then give it to a sibling , who used it to leave the state in 2012.
Police investigating the incident arrested and charged Lewis. He will make his next court appearance on May 23rd 2013
Deadly quake in south-west Iran's Bushehr province
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake has killed more than 30 people and injured 850 in south-west Iran, officials say.
Rescue teams have been sent to the affected area, but darkness is hampering rescue operations.
The quake struck 90km (60 miles) south of the country's only nuclear power station in Bushehr, the US Geological Survey (USGS) says.
However, the nuclear plant has not been affected and is working normally, officials have said.
The quake was felt across the Gulf in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Bushehr's governor Fereydun Hasanvand told Iranian television that of those wounded, 750 had "minor injuries" and the rest had been sent to provincial hospitals.
Some 10,000 people are thought to live in the affected area in more than 50 villages, two of which have reportedly been completely levelled.
Mr Hasanvand said 700 houses have been damaged and 200 families affected.
The governor's office has sent generators to the area so rescue operation can continue overnight, the BBC's Mohsen Asgari in Tehran reports.
Iran's Red Crescent organisation hopes to end the rescue operation by daybreak, our correspondent adds.
Seismologists said the quake struck at 16:22 (11:52 GMT) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles) near the town of Kaki, south of Bushehr - a Gulf port city that is home to Iran's first and only nuclear power plant.
Iran's seismological centre in Bushehr province, linked to Tehran University, registered the quake at a magnitude of 6.1.
RADIO TURKS & CAICOS’ ONLINE VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD POLLING FOR THE 2013 TCI TOP MODEL CONTEST HAS STARTED!
The Nation’s station, Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) – in its standing commitment with the TCI Top Model Contest and Fashion Extravaganza, has once again created an online voters poll that will feature the 2013 TCI Top Model Contestants.
The poll, which starts today, through to Monday, April 29th, is available on http://www.rtc107fm.com. The site www.rtc107fm.com, allows visitors to cast a vote for their favorite 2013 TCI Top Model contestant. In real time, each visitor will see how many votes that that contestant has received, along with her percentage points. What is more, the contestant will receive the RTC Viewers Choice Award and a gift certificate.
Chris Jarrett, RTC Director said that: “We continually see some of the hottest models coming out of the Caribbean, US & Europe - strutting down the runways of the most prolific designers, being represented by some of the biggest agencies, and we in the Turks and Caicos are making a mark too. RTC has partnered with the TCI Top Model team for the past five years because we believe in our your people, we believe in the TCI. Being a model is not just an ambassador for yourself, but for your country, and so in these times while we have an ambassador on the track we need one with inner and outer beauty on the catwalk gracing some of the world’s largest shows.”
Mr. Jarrett went on to say he that sees: “The TCI Top Model as giving young talented ladies a grand opportunity to shine, and our aim is to help foster that talent from the Capital to the City to the rest of the worlds stage and eventually screen.”
In addition to the online viewers poll, in the run up to the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza – Royele Couture: LUXE, RTC’s Radio Personality Damain “Phantom” Wilson - will be interviewing each of the 10 Contestants – giving its listeners an insight into the ladies, in essence, getting to know them.
TCI Top Model Contest’s Director of Production, Courtney Robinson said: “It’s an honor and a privilege to continue our partnership with the ‘Nation’s Station’. Collaborating with RTC is important to our event, as we are reaching the entire Turks & Caicos through their high-quality broadcasting medium.”
“The RTC online poll in a nationwide initiative that connects the local public and those that tune in online from other countries worldwide to the annual TCI Top Model Contest. We could not have asked for a more fantastic opportunity to promote local talent. As fashion, music and entertainment speaks the same language in New York, London, Tokyo and the Caribbean – it is imperative that we keep pace with the world, by being on the bandwidth and digital media.”
The RTC viewers’ poll will not form part of the scores going towards choosing the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest winner. For the competition itself, the contestants are being judged on eight categories, with the highest score attainable being ten (10) points. There will be pre-show and event judging. The pre-show judging will be on Personality, Professionalism, Models Portfolio Folder and Industry Readiness. The event judging will be on Impact Appeal (initial presence on the catwalk), Rock That Look (Runway Walk), Royele Swim (physical fitness in the swimsuit segment) and Fashion Forward (how best they showcased the finale garment). These eight categories will go towards naming the Face of the Turks and Caicos, TCI Top Model 2013.
The 2013 TCI Top Model Contest, themed Royele Couture: LUXE will be held at the Williams Auditorium in Providenciales on Saturday, May 4th - seeing to the catwalk competition, performances by Barbara Johnson, Julian Garland, Carl Lewis, among a host of other high end entertainers, fashion designers and boutiques. Tickets are currently available for purchase – VIP $75 and General Admission - $50. Persons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of the Contest, as it will be an additional $10 more at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets - call 649.344.2502, visit www.tcitopmodel.com or email: tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tcitopmodel or follow us on Twitter - @tcistopmodel.
BEING AN EFFECTIVE BRAND AMBASSADOR, LIVING LIFE IN THE MEDIA – UNDER THE PUBLIC GAZE
The ten contestants preparing to compete in the upcoming 2013 TCI Top Model Contest received additional training in the run up to this country’s most coveted title event!
Mrs Oneika Simons-Rigby, Marketing Executive for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board presented a workshop on Being an Effective Spokesmodel and a Strong Brand Ambassador. Mrs Simons-Rigby informed the Contestants that a spokesmodel is defined as a spokesperson whose physical appearance contributes to brand equity. “The way you present yourself, the way you are received by the market directly influences the perception, acceptance, loyalty and value that is shared with the brand you represent.”
Simons-Rigby went on to add that: “A spokesmodel or a brand ambassador, is a person hired to drive consumer demand for the product by directly interacting with existing and potential consumers; increasing brand and product awareness; providing product information that will make it more appealing; creating an association in the consumer’s mind between the brand and its primary message.”
Talisha Simons, a public relations professional with experience ranging from television and radio broadcasting to community and public relations, gave a presentation on Life In The Media: under the public gaze. Focusing on media interviewing, the Corporate Communications Officer for ForitsTCI informed the ladies that media interviews could be a nerve-racking experience. “Often times spokespeople botch interview opportunities by making the wrong comments, causing serious damage to their company or brand. However, if you prepare yourself, be knowledgeable about your subject areas, take your time when speaking, and know what topics to avoid, you can make a good interview.”
Simons, formerly a news Anchor and news reporter/writer for PTV channel 8 went on to give tips for a good interview. She informed them that they must set goals for every appearance; know that nothing is 100% off the record and that what you say may get used; pay close attention to your body language and that of the interviewer; ensure that you present yourself well; stay on track by sticking to your message; and most importantly, always find a way to share take-away points that you want the reporter, and, by extension, the audience to walk away thinking about.
Of the workshop, Simons stated: “I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of life in the media and providing tips that these young ladies can make use of during their TCI Top Model journey. Embracing every opportunity to gain specific skills, mastering how best to present yourself, while staying true to who you are in a contest such as this one, is key to winning the title.”
Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of the TCI Top Model Contest said: “The additional workshops were fundamentally important, as the winner of the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest will also be the Digicel TCI Brand Ambassador for a year. These workshops, along with that which they underwent beforehand - will go a long way into building their intellectual capacity - whether they stay in fashion or wherever life takes them. It is our endeavour to assist with the development of well rounded individuals.”
The 2013 TCI Top Model Contest themed Royele Couture: LUXE will be held at the Williams Auditorium in Providenciales on Saturday, May 4th - seeing to the catwalk competition, performances by Barbara Johnson, Julian Garland, Carl Lewis, among a host of other high end entertainers, fashion designers and boutiques making presentations. Tickets are currently available for purchase – VIP $75 and General Admission - $50. Persons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of the Contest, as it will be an additional $10 more at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets - call 649.344.2502, visit www.tcitopmodel.com or email: tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tcitopmodel or follow us on Twitter - @tcistopmodel
Turks & Caicos Police Force Receives Communications Server from Tourist Board
The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board today announced the turning over of their internal communications server to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force.
Director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Mr. Ralph Higgs commented, “We are elated to assist our stable partners with the necessary resources to help them maximize proficiency.” Mr. Higgs continues, “We hope the transmission of this server will help to expedite the services the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force already offer to our visitors and locals alike.”
According to Police Constable Kevin Clarke, “The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force greatly appreciate the donation of the server. It will be an asset to the I.T. Department. Our line users who require daily use will be more than happy for this donation.”
The server will be used for data and storage collection, and to maintain the road safety database. The server will be housed in a secure location to ensure its protection and service longevity.
“As Senior Police Officer with responsibility for Operations, I am delighted to accept this gift on behalf of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force and it will certainly go a long way in assisting us from an I.T. perspective,” says Acting Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams. “Our partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board is one that has continued through the years and one that we cherish very much. It is a partnership that I am sure will continue through the years and will be beneficial to law and order, and tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Premier Ewing sends condolences on the passing of Margaret Thacther
Premier of the TCI, expresses deep sympathies to the UK after learning on the passing of Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
The Premier in his address stated, It is with profound sadness that we today learnt of the passing of Great Britain’s longest serving politician and first and only female Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Hilda Thatcher. Baroness Thatcher was most known for her uncompromising political and leadership style and was the main force behind the Falklands War and the economic recovery of Great Britain in the early 1980’s.
Baroness Thatcher would indeed forever remain the icon for women in politics and will continue to be the symbol of leadership that has inspired generations of women as they strive to achieve, against inequality and discrimination.
On behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I hereby send condolences to the family of Baroness Thatcher and the people of Great Britain, may the Lord strengthen you during this time of bereavement.
Premier Ewing responds to story on Hon.Gardiner
Premier of the TCI, Dr.Rufus Ewing has responded to the news item concerning Hon. Gardiner.
The Premier said, 'There has been much discussion in the media and amongst residents concerning a recent firearm incident and the Minister of Immigration and Labour, Hon. Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner.
I wish to inform the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the realities of the incident and the extent of the involvement of the Honorable Minister, if any. The Office of the Premier is currently awaiting such official reports of the incident from the Commissioner of Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
In the meantime it has been rumoured that the Honorable Minister of Immigration and Labour has been fired and/or has resigned from his post. Such rumours are false as the Minister has not tendered his resignation nor has the Premier asked for it to be tendered. We live in a country that must be governed by the rule of law and justice, and as such it is inappropriate for me to harbour any such requests before the investigations have been completed and recommendations have been made in the interest of Good Governance.
I must however reiterate my view which is that persons in public life, including members of Cabinet and of the legislative and Judicial arms of government, should conduct themselves throughout, in a manner that is befitting of the offices that they hold.'
Texas college stabbing: 14 injured, 2 in critical condition
Maya Khalil was shocked when she saw victims bleeding on the ground.
Moments before, the 19-year-old had been in class at the Lone Star College's CyFair campus outside Houston, Texas.
But after leaving class, Khalil watched her college campus turn into a crime scene on Tuesday.
"It was really scary," she told CNN.
Khalil snapped photos of the chaos as it unfolded, posting pictures on Twitter that showed a bandaged student on a stretcher and police and paramedics swarming the scene.
Hours later, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia told reporters that 14 people were injured and two of them were in critical condition.
Authorities have detained the suspect, an approximately 21-year-old male enrolled at the school, Garcia said.
It was unclear what the suspect's motive was, or what weapon he used, Garcia said. The investigation is ongoing, he said.
"We do not know exactly what type of weapon was used other than to say that it is at this point an unknown instrument," he said. "We don't know whether a knife or some other type of instrument."
Garcia said a call came in to 911 Tuesday morning describing a "male on the loose stabbing people" at the Lone Star College's CyFair campus.
Most of the victims had lacerations in their head and neck areas, said Robert Rasa, a spokesman for the CyFair Volunteer Fire Department.
"We were literally going from building to building, room to room, looking for patients, setting up triage," he said.
The school was on lockdown Tuesday afternoon while authorities combed the campus to ensure no other injured people or attackers were there, Harris County sheriff's spokesman Alan Bernstein said.
While authorities investigated, teachers and students huddled together in locked rooms, said Marianna Sviland, a teacher at the college who was in a faculty workroom at the time of the stabbing.
"Outside the window, I saw cops running around, I saw students running and I realized something was going on," she said. "It was scary."
By2 p.m. (3 p.m. ET), students and staff were allowed to leave campus, Sviland said.
Details about the victim's injuries were unclear Tuesday afternoon.
Bernstein said it wasn't clear whether all of the injured people were stabbed.
"It's possible other people were running away" and became injured that way, he said.
Four injured victims "were in a dire enough situation that they were taken out on helicopters," Bernstein said.
"I do believe the confrontation was limited to a few (classrooms) or just one classroom -- not anybody roaming around and getting into a large number of areas," Bernstein said.
The school posted a warning on its website: "Stay away from the area. Seek shelter in a secure location until the incident is resolved."
Tuesday's incident comes more than two months after three people were wounded in a shooting at a different Lone Star College campus -- the North Harris campus in Houston.
Source-CNN
Beyonce, Jay-Z Cuba visit had U.S. Treasury Department OK - source
A visit by American pop star Beyonce and rapper husband Jay-Z to Havana last week was a cultural trip that was fully licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department, a source familiar with the itinerary said on Monday.
The longstanding U.S. trade embargo against Cuba prevents most Americans from traveling to the communist-led island without a license granted by the U.S. government.
Three Cuban-American members of Congress, all Republicans from Miami and supporters of a firm stance on Cuba, have asked the Treasury Department to look into the licensing of the trip, prompting officials to seek more information from the organizers.
Beyonce and Jay-Z celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in Havana and were greeted by big crowds as they strolled through the Cuban capital. The music industry power couple were instantly recognized as celebrities despite the past half-century of ideological conflict that separates the two countries.
The source told Reuters that the trip included visits with Cuban artists and musicians, as well as several nightclubs where live music was performed, and some of the city's best privately run restaurants, known as "paladares."
The visit was planned as a "people-to-people" cultural visit and involved no meetings with Cuban officials, or typical tourist activity such as trips to the beach, the source said. Even a walk around the Old City of Havana, mobbed by crowds of excited Cuban spectators, was led by Miguel Coyula, one of the city's leading architects.
Publicists for the couple did not return emails or phone calls seeking comment.
Beyonce and Jay-Z were the latest American stars, joining actors Bill Murray, Sean Penn and James Caan who have also visited the Caribbean island in the past few years. But the pair were the first to cause such a stir everywhere they went.
The couple arrived in Havana unannounced for a four-day visit on Wednesday on a flight from Miami. But word of their presence spread like wildfire, by text messaging and word of mouth.
Beyonce, who sang at President Barack Obama's inauguration for his second term in January, was instantly recognized when she and Jay-Z, and their mothers, dined at La Guarida, the city's top privately run restaurant, on their first night.
The next day a crowd of several thousand people swarmed around them in Old Havana during a walk-about.
They also visited a children's theater group and several clubs where they heard live music, and occasionally took to the dance floor. On Friday, they toured Cuba's top art school and met with some young artists.
Source-Reuters
Thatcher's legacy in focus as UK plans funeral
A day after Margaret Thatcher's death, Britain's first female prime minister, preparations got under way for a funeral to rival those given to royalty -- a farewell welcomed by some in Britain but questioned by others.
The news of her death, which prompted an outpouring of reaction from world leaders, dominates British newspapers on Tuesday.
Pages of tributes and analysis throw up a raft of epithets: brave, great, fearless, pioneering -- but also divisive, destructive and uncaring.
What do you think about the loss of Britain's 'Iron lady'? Tell us
"The woman who saved Britain," is the Daily Mail headline. "Now give her a state funeral," it demands inside the covers, citing Conservative MPs who say she deserves the kind of honors in death usually reserved for the monarch.
"The woman who divided a nation," is how the Daily Mirror remembers her. It questions whether Thatcher merits the same style of funeral as Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Queen Mother.
A towering figure in postwar British and global politics, she is remembered in the world for her Cold War-era friendships with Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as her role in shaping Britain's place in Europe and the short, sharp war she waged with Argentina over the disputed Falkland Islands.
At home, where many blame her for creating soaring unemployment as she reduced or eliminated many government subsidies to business and took on the unions, her legacy is highly polarized.
Thatcher's body was moved overnight from the Ritz Hotel, where she was staying when she died of a stroke aged 87, her spokeswoman confirmed. It's not known where it was taken.
Thatcher served from 1975 to 1990 as leader of the Conservative Party, and as prime minister for 11 years. She was called the "Iron Lady" for her personal and political toughness.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 17, the prime minister's office said Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth II will be among the high profile guests, Buckingham Palace said Tuesday. Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will also be there.
The service will be at St. Paul's Cathedral, with full military honors, followed by a private cremation, the British prime minister's office announced.
A diverse range of people and groups with connections to Thatcher will be invited, Downing Street said. The service will also be televised.